Quaker Parrots as Pets

Updated on September 25, 2012

Quaker parrots are a good choice for pet owners looking for a smaller parrot with a big personality. They are about the same size as a cockatiel in length (11-12 inches), but have a stockier build and usually weigh more. The original Quaker parrot is green with pale grey cheeks, forehead and breast, but an assortment of mutations offers colorful choices, too. These little birds also go by the name Monk Parrots or Gray-breasted Parakeet.

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Fun Parrot FactsAdd some fun parrot facts to the trivia in your life. Do you know which parrots are the smallest? Or which are the largest flying parrots, or how far away you can hear their call?

Talkative Quaker Parrots

When choosing a parrot as a pet, it is important to consider your lifestyle, budget, and the bird's personality. If you're looking for a bird that will talk, the Quaker parrot is a good choice for people looking for a small parrot. Quakers can learn to talk and even sing words from a song, though the signing isn't always clear. In fact, even when talking, Quakers aren't always easy to understand, though owners usually recognize what they are saying. Some birds speak more clearly than others. The more articulate you are when speaking to your bird, the better the chances that the parrot will speak clearly. Most Quaker parrots enjoy interacting with their human flock and often speak with an apparent understanding of what they are saying. If talking capabilities are important to you when selecting a bird, look for a bird that is vocalizing by the time it is weaned.

General Care

Quaker parrot care is about the same as for any other parrot. They need to be fed a nutritious diet, provided with a clean, safe environment with toys that keep life interesting. They are social birds that also need to interact with their human flock. They are strong flyers, so wing clipping is recommended to help keep the bird safe. Be sure to provide clean water for both drinking and bathing. At night, it helps to house your parrot in a quiet part of the house away from activity. A cage cover helps the bird relax and fall asleep.

Importance of Quaker Parrot Training

Quaker parrots are territorial birds and time should be taken to train them or owners can end up with an out-of-control adult bird. As an owner of a Quaker parrot, it is important to teach your pet limits and what behavior is acceptable and what is not acceptable. For best results, it helps to buy a hand-fed baby just after it is weaned. The Quaker parrot, when left to its own devices will try to dominate the humans in their life. With this in mind, it is important to establish a relationship of cooperation in the bird's behavior with exercises like "step up" from an unfamiliar perch to your hand.

Practice this outside the cage in "neutral" territory and then within the bird's territory but still outside the cage. With Quaker parrots' territorial instinct, these birds can be aggressive if you approach them in their cage. Allow them a little independence. Open the door, and let the bird come out and then have them step up. You can also train the bird by having it step up from hand to hand.

Is a Quaker the Right Parrot for You?

Quaker parrots may be small, but they have a big personality and as far as parrots are concerned are relatively quiet. They enjoy human companionship, so it is important to interact with your bird. If you are willing to share your life and time with a feathered companion, a Quaker parrot may be the right choice for you.

Baby cockatiels grow from an inch-long hatchling to adult size in just six weeks. It takes 8-10 days for their eyes to open, but the color of their eyes...even closed eyes offer a clue as to the baby's future color.

Comments 6 comments

My mom had a few of these over the years and they seemed very easy birds to care for. She really loved them. Great info for anyone considering one of these. Up and sharing!

Donna Sundblad 4 years ago from Georgia Author

Thanks Jackie, they do make good pets, but they can be territorial when they mature. That's why it is so important to handle them and train them to be cooperative when they are young.

Eiddwen 4 years ago from Wales

Oh what a wonderful hub; we aren't allowed to keep dogs or cats at out present home but a bird would be allowed. This one is so very interesting and useful.

Thanks for sharing and enjoy your day.

Eddy.

Donna Sundblad 4 years ago from Georgia Author

Glad you enjoyed it Eddy. These little birds really have a big personality and can be entertaining, and even cuddly. Because they aren't real noisy, they would be a good choice for apartment living.

Pamela-anne 3 years ago from Kitchener, Ontario

Thanks for the info on Quaker Parrots, this is a pet I am considering getting in the future - thanks for the tips. My last pet was a Red Devil Cichlid "Mr.Fish" he passed away in April. I have written a couple of hubs based on him your welcome to check them out- have a great day!